Cameroon sailfin chameleon
The Cameroon sailfin chameleon or Cameroon two-horned mountain chameleon (Trioceros montium) is a species of chameleon endemic to Cameroon.[1][2] It has a very unusual appearance.[3]
| Cameroon sailfin chameleon | |
|---|---|
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| Close-up of head and full body view of two males | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Chamaeleonidae |
| Genus: | Trioceros |
| Species: | T. montium |
| Binomial name | |
| Trioceros montium (Buchholz, 1874) | |
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| Range of Cameroon sailfin chameleon | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
|
Chamaeleo montium Buchholz, 1874 | |
Distribution and habitat
The Cameroon sailfin chameleon is found only in the Cameroonian highlands, including Mount Cameroon.[1][3] Because it is almost entirely restricted to rainforests ranging from 700 to 1,900 m (2,300–6,200 ft) above sea level, it is estimated only a few locations support populations of the species. However, it has also been found in small farms and gardens.[1]
Description
Cameroon sailfin chameleons usually are greenish with markings in various other colors, but commonly are brown when stressed,[4] and males often turn bluish when displaying.[3] Distinguishing features on males include two large horns just above the upper jaw which are used for jousting and a prominent dorsal "sail".[3][4] The males can grow up to 25 cm (10 in) long and the females can grow up to 20 cm (8 in) long.[3][4]
References
- LeBreton, M.; Carpenter, A.I. (2011). "Trioceros montium". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T176318A7217378. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T176318A7217378.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- Trioceros montium at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 March 2021.
- Flannery, Tim & Schouten, Peter. Astonishing Animals. Atlantic Monthly Press, 2002, p. 145.
- Christopher V. Anderson; Mike Coraggio & Leah Kroo (June 2005). "Cameroon Mountain Two-horned Chameleon, Chamaeleo (Trioceros) montium BUCHHOLZ, 1874". Chameleons! Online E-Zine. Retrieved 26 September 2014.